Welcome to Hyperion Records, an independent British classical label devoted to presenting high-quality recordings of music of all styles and from all periods from the twelfth century to the twenty-first.

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St Paul's Service

Introduction

The St Paul’s Service is one of Howells’ most celebrated settings of texts that he returned to time and again. Fashioned specially for a building with a spectacular acoustic, consequently employing a less rapidly changing harmonic rhythm than would be possible in a less resonant building, this is a work in which Howells seems at his most confident and optimistic. It is the biggest boned, the most expansive of all his treatments and justifies its reputation as one of the best of his settings for the Anglican liturgy. The Magnificat sets off sturdily, without introduction, and never looks back, surging forward with just an easing of the pace at the beautiful ‘He remembering His mercy’. The Nunc dimittis, though quiet, is also expansive, building slowly and majestically to its climax. The Glorias in both canticles sweep all before them and make a big feature out of Howells’ characteristic use of the ‘Lydian’ fourth, stretching the tonality before pulling it back to the tonic to almost cataclysmic effect.

Recordings

Hyperion’s Record of the Month gathers together sometimes austere, sometimes thrilling, always beautiful choral music by the original British composer Herbert Howells, seamlessly performed by Stephen Layton’s Choir of Trinity College, Cambridge.» More

'An awe-inspiring sound' (Classic FM Magazine)'This is a worthy Millennium tribute to the musicians of St Paul’s. A disc to 'This is a worthy Millennium tribute to the musicians of St Paul’s. A di ...» More

Details

My soul doth magnify the Lord: and my spirit hath rejoiced in God my Saviour. For He hath regarded: the lowliness of His handmaiden: For behold, from henceforth: all generations shall call me blessed. For He that is mighty hath magnified me: and holy is His Name. And His mercy is on them that fear Him: throughout all generations. He hath shewed strength with His arm: He hath scattered the proud in the imagination of their hearts. He hath put down the mighty from their seat: and hath exalted the humble and meek. He hath filled the hungry with good things: and the rich He hath sent empty away. He remembering His mercy hath holpen his servant Israel: as He promised to our forefathers, Abraham and His seed for ever.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.

Lord, now lettest thou thy servant depart in peace: according to thy word. For mine eyes have seen: thy salvation; Which thou hast prepared: before the face of all people; To be a light to lighten the Gentiles: and to be the glory of thy people Israel.

Glory be to the Father, and to the Son: and to the Holy Ghost; As it was in the beginning, is now, and ever shall be: world without end. Amen.